NYT: U.S. Military Shifts Troops Into Advisory Roles in Iraq

[DeepModem Mom]

U.S. Military Shifts Troops Into Advisory Roles in Iraq
By THOM SHANKER and EDWARD WONG
Published: December 5, 2006

BAGHDAD, Dec. 2 — American commanders in Iraq are already shifting thousands of combat troops into advisory positions with Iraqi Army and police units, especially in the capital, in their latest attempt to bring sectarian violence under control.

Changes in troop assignments over just the past three weeks included moving about 1,000 American soldiers in Baghdad from traditional combat roles to serve as trainers and advisers to Iraqi units, senior American officers said in interviews here. Commanders say they believe that a major influx of American advisers can add spine and muscle to Iraqi units that will help them to move into the lead in improving security.

The troops have been reassigned by commanders, who have not sought additional combat troops to replace them. While the troops have not been through the special program for trainers set up by the military, they are working in their areas of expertise, commanders said.

American generals in Iraq have made the reassignments in recent weeks even though President Bush and his senior national security advisers have not yet made a formal decision about whether to expand the American contingent sent to Iraq specifically to serve on military training teams....

Increasing the number of American trainers for the Iraqi military and the police is among the recommendations expected on Wednesday from the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, which Mr. Bush has said he wishes to review before announcing a future course in Iraq....

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/05/world/middleeast/05strategy.html?hp&ex=1165381200&en=28652655647aa90a&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[gumby]

1. Amazing.

Who are 'we' training to kill whom?

Where is the Leader Who Can Lead? Where is the War President?

Is Dear Leader cutting and running along with John Bolton?

[dmosh42]

2. This is at least somewhat positive

If it's true, then we're making the right moves...

[izzie]

3. I does not seem very smart. I hate to be a killjoy but I do not get it

Frankly having a combat man who does not know much of these people training them to be policemen just seems off the wall. They can not even talk to each other. This sound like it comes from the WH and I am sure they have not got with it in 6 years. I swear the WH also comes from other country.

[independentpiney]

4. Because advisors worked so well in Vietnam nt